South West Stroke Project Physician-Specific Education

Multiple resources have been created and assembled to support the clinical practice of physicians within the South West LHIN’s realigned in-hospital stroke care. The tools for each physician group were compiled in collaboration with the South West Stroke Project Physician Lead and LHIN Primary Care Leads. They were selected according to identified and anticipated physician needs.

Designated stroke centres include regional stroke centres (acute and rehabilitation), district stroke centres, telestroke site(s), and hospitals with designated stroke inpatient rehabilitation beds. For a list of the designated stroke centres, please refer to the About the South West Stroke Project page.

The purpose of the tools and resources designated stroke centres physicians is to create and sustain clinical stroke expertise.

Physician Resource ListThe purpose of this self-directed learning tool is to develop stroke expertise. It is comprised of regional, provincial, andnational resources and guidelines, relevant articles, and links to archived education sessions and online learning modules.

The Activase Video Library: Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke
This online library offers free resources, including videos and clinical practice tools, to help healthcare providers with acute ischemic stroke management and the use of Activase.

Case Based Summary Sheets
Designated stroke centre physicians within the Southwestern Ontario Stroke Network region meet quarterly for case-based education sessions where difficult case examples are discussed amongst peers and the support of a stroke neurologist. The summary sheet for each session includes key messages, relevant clinical data, practice suggestions, reference list, and links to the archived presentation and slide deck.

January 2017: Risks of thrombolysis to support informed consent, contraindications to thrombolysis, etiologies and mechanisms of stuttering

May 2017: Type A Aortic Dissection, contraindications to thrombolysis, association of cancer and stroke

Online Learning ModuleThis case-based, CME-approved, two-module education resource was developed in collaboration with Western University. Module one is specific to the South West Stroke Project and guides physicians through the process of identifying when a transfer to a designated stroke centre would and would not be appropriate. Module two focusses on stroke mimics and is appropriate for all physicians.

The purpose of the physician education for this group is to act as a resource and refresher for the rapid identification of stroke and TIA, and to support the timely transfer of appropriate patients to a designated stroke centres.

Physician Resource List for each Stroke DistrictThis self-directed learning resource supports the clinical practice of emergency department physician and staff hospitals divesting their stroke services and their role within hospital-based stroke care in the South West LHIN. This resource is comprised of regional, provincial, and national tools and guidelines, relevant articles, and links to archived education sessions and online modules.

Online Learning Module his case-based, CME-approved, two-module education resource was developed in collaboration with Western University. Module one is specific to the South West Stroke Project and guides physicians through the process of identifying when a transfer to a designated stroke centre would and would not be appropriate. Module two focusses on stroke mimics and is appropriate for all physicians.

The purpose of education for the primary care provider regarding in-hospital care is to support them in knowing where a patient will receive in-patient care and to better answer patient and caregiver questions.

Information Sheets for Each Stroke DistrictInformation on the South West Stroke Project and the nearest designated stroke centre have been created for primary care providers for each stroke district across the South West LHIN. This provides the primary care provider with a background on the project, information on in-hospital stroke care for their local area, and contact information for any questions.